Ivy-leaved pelargoniumis a group of varieties of pelargonium with ivy-shaped leaves and slender, drooping shoots. These plants are great for flower pots and balcony boxes. See whatvarieties of ivy-leaved pelargoniumshould be chosen for planting and what rules should be followed incultivation of ivy-leaved pelargoniumso that the plants bloom as long as possible and do not fall ill.
Ivy-leaved geranium
Fig. © PoradnikOgrodniczy.pl
Varieties of ivy-leaved geraniums
Ivy-leaved geraniums are a group of hybrid varieties of pelargonium , which are hybrids of Pelargonium peltatum with other species of pelargonium.
The characteristic features of ivy-leaved geraniums are:
- decorative, shiny leaves, resembling the leaves of common ivy,
- tiny delicate flowers located on the tips of the shoots,
- slender, long, hanging shoots.
We sella large selection of varieties of ivy-leaved geraniumsYou can meet ivy-leaved geraniums with full, semi-double or single flowers in various colors. Some varieties of ivy-leaved pelargonium are also characterized by an interesting discoloration of the leaves. The table in which we have includedthe most popular varieties of ivy-leaved geraniumsalong with a description of their characteristics will help you to find out more about this diverse group of plants.
Download the printable version of the ivy-leaf geranium varieties:
- Varieties of ivy-leaved geraniums (PDF)
Growing ivy-leaved geraniums
1. When to plant ivy-leaved geraniums?
Ivy-leaved pelargonium is grown mainly as an ornamental balcony plant. It is sensitive to low temperatures, thereforethe planting date for ivy-leaved geraniums falls on the second half of May , when the risk of frosts is no longer there. During this period, garden stores offer the largest selection of varieties of ivy-leaved pelargonium, as well as other groups of pelargonium.
2. Conditions for growing ivy-leaved pelargonium
Ivy-leaved pelargonium grows well in a permeable substrate, in a sunny position It can be planted in a specialized substrate for geraniums or in soil for balcony flowers. When planting, do not forget about the drainage layer of expanded clay or small pebbles, placed on the bottom of the pot. Such drainage will protect the plant root system from rotting.
Characteristic leaves of an ivy-leaved geranium
Fig. © PoradnikOgrodniczy.pl
Remember thatpots and boxes for pelargonium cultivation should have holesin the bottom, allowing excess water to drain onto the base. If the pot does not have such holes, you have to make them yourself.
Before planting Ivy-leaved geraniums , mix the potting soil with TerraCott. It is a type of nutrient that provides the plants with a starting dose of fertilizer. It also contains ingredients that improve the structure of the substrate in the pot and prevent the soil from clumping, as well as a hydrogel that keeps the substrate moist for longer.This allows you to water your plants less often and makes them more resistant to drought.
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Ivy-leaved geraniums form long but brittle stems , sometimes up to 100 cm in length. Therefore, it is worth providing herposition sheltered from the windVarieties of ivy-leaved pelargonium with full flowers should be planted in positions sheltered from rain, because during heavy rainfall the flowers easily break, rot and lose their strength. decorative qualities.
3. Fertilizing Ivy Leaf Geranium
In the cultivation of ivy-leaved geraniums, we should not forget about its regular fertilization. It is best to use a special pelargonium fertilizer every two weeks. Fertilization will contribute to more abundant and longer flowering.
Good to know!
Ivy-leaved geraniums will bloom longer and more profusely if we remove their faded inflorescences. This stimulates the plant to produce new flower buds.
4. Wintering of ivy-leaved pelargonium
Although you usually buy new seedlings of ivy-leaved geraniums every spring, try wintering geraniums until spring and harvest them yourself.
Ivy leaf geraniums can be hibernated in cool roomsor in staircases at 8-12 ° C. Place geraniums indoors when the outside temperature drops to 0 ° C. Then the plants should be trimmed to a height of about 5 cm and watering should be limited. After a few months (in March), new seedlings of ivy-leaved pelargonium can be taken from the young shoots released by the plant. We plant them in fresh, well-drained soil and keep them indoors until mid-May.
Diseases of ivy leaf geraniums
Ivy-leaved pelargonium is usually resistant to fungal diseases.Sometimes, however, discoloration may appear on its leaves or flowers, which will indicate an infection.Usually, it is too high air humidity and soil that contribute to the development of geranium diseases.
In order to prevent pelargonium diseasesit is worth using Biosept Active Spray, a preparation immunizing plants. It is a ready-to-use preparation in a container with a sprayer, based on grapefruit seed extract. As a preparation of natural origin, it is completely safe to use at home and on the balcony.
Most often, ivy-leaved pelargonium is attacked by gray mold.The symptoms of this geranium disease can be identified by the water-soaked spots and the powdery coating on the leaves . Geranium infested flower buds turn brown and die.
When the first symptoms of the disease are noticed, the affected parts of the plant should be removed immediately.In order to fight gray mold on ivy-leaved geraniums , use Polyversum WP. It is a biological agent, safe for people and the environment, and at the same time it copes well with gray mold.When it comes to chemical plant protection products, Topsin M 500 SC and Signum 33 WG are recommended.
The second commondisease of ivy leaf geranium is rustThis disease affects leaves with specific circular patches. Upon closer inspection, you can see brown clusters of the fungus spores. As a result of infection, pelargonium leaves fall off. In the fight against palargonium rust, it is recommended to use the plant protection agent Amistar 250 SC (dosage as for combating rust on vegetables).The above-mentioned fertilizers and preparations for the protection of pelargonium against diseases can be ordered in the shop of our guide. To see our offer, press the button below.
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MSc Eng. Joanna Białowąs
